BREAST REDUCTION

The larger your cup size and greater the depth of your cleavage, the more sagging is inevitable. With time you may begin to develop back, neck or shoulder pain. Carrying around heavy breasts can affect your posture and also prevent you from doing normal activities like running and jumping. What’s more, it can be hard to find undergarments that fit and flatter.

Breast reduction (mammoplasty) has extremely positive, body-loving results, and these women are among the most satisfied patients we treat. Breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Techniques vary, with most incisions occurring around the areola, down the center of the lower breast and under the natural curve of the breast (Dr Kirman uses alternate incisions whenever possible to minimize the length of scarring). Excess breast tissue, fat and skin are ultimately removed and the nipple and areola are repositioned to a perkier position.

Breast reduction is a very empowering surgery promising an immediately visible and life-improving change. What you’ll gain: freedom from physical pain associated with heavy breasts, a more pleasing appearance and better fitting clothes.

Before

During the initial consultation in our Walnut Creek, CA location, it’s all about creating goals. Dr. Kirman will sit down with you and design the surgical technique that will give you the best results. You will be advised not eat or drink for six to eight hours prior to surgery and refrain from using lotions, creams or powders. You’ll want to arrive at the surgery center in loose, comfortable clothing that buttons down the front for easy on-and-off.

During

Although it’s considered an outpatient procedure, you’ll be placed under general anesthesia and be completely asleep during your breast reduction. Incisions will be made using the techniques designed for you and the excess breast skin and tissue will be removed. Your nipples will be repositioned to sit higher and more naturally on the breast. If your breasts are extremely large, the nipple may need to be removed so it can be moved to its new position safely.

After

Expect to show your breasts some gentle TLC for four to six weeks following surgery. To keep things in place, you’ll be dressed in soft gauze dressings that may need to be changed once or twice, then removed the next day (the dressings will ultimately be replaced with a 24-hour support bra that can be taken off while you shower). Strenuous activity should be avoided for one month. Any bruises usually disappear within two weeks. Although most swelling will subside after the first month, the breasts will not achieve their final shape until the skin has fully relaxed in about six to 12 months.

Things To Consider

• You’ll likely keep the normal sensation in your nipples and maintain the ability to breast-feed.

• Your mammoplasty scars will fade over time, but they will be permanent.

• Be prepared: your breasts may swell and become tender during your initial menstrual period after surgery. It’s also possible you may experience occasional pains for a few months during your flow.

• Numbness or hypersensitivity of the breast and nipple may be experienced by some women for up to a year following breast reduction surgery. In rare cases, these altered sensations may be permanent.

FAQS

Q. Will it hurt?

A. A lot of work has been done within your breasts, so there may be some pain for the first several days. Typically, the most pain is experienced within the first 48 hours after surgery. Your level of pain will decrease day by day and can be effectively treated with various pain medications. Your breasts may feel tight and sensitive to the touch and your skin may feel warm or itchy. You may also experience some soreness when raising your arms.

Q. How long before I’m fully healed?

A. Because breast tissue is significantly disrupted during surgery, it may take six months to a year before all swelling subsides and the final breast reduction surgery results become apparent.

Q. How long does it take to get back to normal after breast reduction surgery?

A. The recovery period ranges from several days to a week or two.

Q. How long does a breast reduction take?

A. On average, up to four hours. A breast reduction will usually take longer than a breast lift.